Letter: Fight for arts education in public schools

As students begin the school year, it is important for us to remember the impact of education in our homes, schools and communities. For decades, research has shown that when students participate in the arts as a part of their education, they go on succeed in school, work and life.

Designated by Congress in 2010, the week beginning with the second Sunday in September is National Arts in Education Week: a national celebration of the transformative power of the arts in education.

Recently, in Washington, D.C., the new Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into law — replacing no Child Left Behind. This law fully supports the arts as part of every students’ “well-rounded” education. It provides the flexibility for students to learn creatively and for local districts and states to create schools that embrace the arts.

What we know is simple: Students attend school more often when they have access to the arts, parents and families engage with the schools when schools embrace the arts, dropout rates decrease, grades increase — and the halls are filled with artwork, songs, drama and dancing.

According to a recent public opinion poll, released in March, 9 out of 10 Americans believe that the arts are essential to a student’s well-rounded education.

However, so often we see that access is not there in communities across our state and the country. Study after study indicates the opportunity gap in arts education, specifically along racial and socio-economic lines.

We must stand together to fight for equity in access and delivery of arts education to the young people in our community our state, and the nation.

It’s up to us - the arts education community - to take a stand and lead.